Pomander, anonymous, c. 1600 - c. 1625

This pomander is shaped like a pomegranate, which was a symbol of vitality in the 16th century. The spherical part is made up of six sections, each one consisting of a little box, whose lid can be lifted. The boxes contained aromatic balms, which could serve as perfume as well as medicine. Pomanders were hung from a chain or a belt.